Who's on board? We ask governor hopefuls about South Coast Rail

Sunday

Feb 2, 2014 at 12:01 AMFeb 2, 2014 at 6:30 AM

Six out of 10 gubernatorial candidates strongly support funding the long-awaited South Coast Rail. Of the remaining four, two would support it with conditions and two declined to say one way or the other.

AUDITI GUHA

Six out of 10 gubernatorial candidates strongly support funding the long-awaited South Coast Rail. Of the remaining four, two would support it with conditions and two declined to say one way or the other.

Democratic candidate for governor Steven Grossman said the House passage of the $12.7 billion bond bill for transportation projects across the state is a "game changer" for the commuter rail extension. A staunch supporter of the rail project, Grossman said he would continue Gov. Deval Patrick's commitment because it is necessary for a region that's "long been left behind."

The project would bring in more jobs, help reduce the carbon footprint, increase the quality of life of area residents and finally connect SouthCoast to Boston, he said.

"The governor's vision for transportation is bold and imaginative. I think the project is a critical priority for the region."

Late Wednesday night, House lawmakers raised the bottom-line on Patrick's five-year transportation borrowing plan from $12.4 billion to more than $12.7 billion. There were 262 amendments filed to the bill which includes $2.2 billion for the South Coast Rail project, $1.3 billion for the Green Line extension, and $300 million for local road and bridge projects in fiscal year 2015.

The bill also includes the beginnings of a third commuter line extension to the region from Lakeville to Wareham by authorizing design and planning money for a station complex.

Democrat Martha Coakley is also in favor. If elected governor, she plans "to put together a funding plan to prioritize this project and see it through to fruition," said spokesman Kyle Sullivan in an email.

"She believes it is a critical infrastructure investment that will pay dividends in jobs and economic growth while also bringing some important regional equity to our transportation spending," Sullivan said.

Democratic candidates Juliette Kayyem and Joseph Avellone also said they are strongly in favor of funding the rail.

"It's an extremely important project for her and she will work tirelessly to put it through," said Matthew Patton, a spokesman for Kayyem, a former Homeland Security official in the Obama and Patrick administrations. She prefers to take "a comprehensive approach" to state transportation projects, he said. "It's an important priority but we are not going to prioritize one part of the state over another."

Asked if Kayyem would support and continue the funding mechanism already in place for South Coast Rail, Patton said she would.

"Building the South Coast rail and replacing the aging cars which break down all the time in the MBTA systems are my two highest priorities," Avellone said in an email. "Good commuter rail service will open up the potential for good jobs for thousands of South Coast residents. In addition, it will help the high priority effort to bring new businesses and industries to the South Coast region."

Independent candidate Evan Falchuk said he is strongly in favor given that the project has been "studied, talked about, and debated for many years" and needs to be kept "actively moving forward."

"The bottom line is a lot of people in Massachusetts are underserved by our existing transportation network, and the time has come to look forward, and take action," he said in an email.

Independent candidate Scott Lively first said he was not too familiar with the project but after taking some time to read up on it said he supports funding.

"I've always been in favor of rail. I think it's a very efficient, citizen-friendly mode of transportation," he said, adding that he and his wife are in California and traveled via Amtrak.

Democratic candidate Don Berwick was cautious. He said he generally supports the project but "wants to explore all technical options" before committing.

"If we determine that the plan for South Coast Rail, as it is currently written, is the most effective and efficient way to improve transportation options for the South Coast, I would approve the funding," he said in an email. "The bottom line is that the South Coast needs better public transportation options to ensure that residents have at last the mobility and economic opportunity they need and want."

Republican candidate Mark Fisher said he tends to be in favor of rail in general but said the project would have to meet two conditions to win his full support. He said he would like to harness private funding for it, pointing out that the paid advertisements along MassPike more than pay for the cost of maintaining the road.

"We have to show the project is self-sufficient and that the majority of people in the region support it," he said.

Fisher said he is opposed to and is trying to repeal the 3-cent gas tax passed last year to fund transportation across the state.

The Patrick administration estimated that over the next decade inflation adjustments to the gas tax starting in 2015 will generate a total of $890.6 million for transportation, starting with $5.7 million this year and compounding over time to $182.6 million in fiscal 2024.

Opposed to the rail project in 2010, the campaign of Republican candidate Charlie Baker was vague about his position this time.

"Charlie is committed to taking the idea of a link between the South Coast and Boston from a theory to a reality. The South Coast Rail project is still several years and $2 billion away from providing commuter rail service to the South Coast. If there are ways to achieve the objectives of South Coast Rail sooner and more efficiently, he will aggressively pursue them," said Jim Conroy, campaign manager in an email.

"Transportation links are a key to revitalization for Gateway Cities like Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford, so we should do all we can to connect them to markets," said independent candidate Jeffrey McCormick in a brief email. A cost-benefit study to determine its impact will be concluded within 90 days, he said.

Legislators say the local rail project should be a priority.

Thomas McGee, Democratic Party chairman and Senate co-chairman of the Joint Transportation Committee, said it is clear the governor and the Legislature have made "a major commitment" to transportation funding, putting key pieces in place, especially for South Coast Rail.

The state Senate will take up the bill this month.

"Investing in the project for the next 20-30 years will allow the SouthCoast to thrive and grow," McGee said. "We're on the right track. We've made major transportation commitments that I think will continue under a Democratic governor."

The state Republican Party did not respond to requests for comment.

Local legislators said they would not support a candidate who has not made the commuter rail project a priority.

Rep. Antonio Cabral, D-New Bedford, said he is proud the House passed the bond bill unanimously this week and is "very confident" the Senate will approve it in coming months.

"I encourage voters not to support any candidate that does not support this project," Cabral said. "This governor has been the best friend we've ever had on South Coast Rail. We have to make sure whoever gets to be the next governor is as committed as the present one."

"We have funded it and authorized it, but it's really important to quiz every candidate for governor about where they stand on 21st century transportation infrastructure for the SouthCoast," said Rep. William Straus, D-Mattapoisett, who co-chairs the Joint Transportation Committee.

Sen. Mark Montigny, D-New Bedford, said he intends to continue to lead the fight for SouthCoast Rail but said it is not his only priority. He hopes Patrick will start issuing bonds this year to advance the project next year, he said.

"I certainly will not support a candidate simply because of support for the project. On the other hand, I won't support a candidate that doesn't put SouthCoast Rail at the top of his or her priority list," Montigny said.

Any candidate who does not support the project will have a hard time getting votes in the city, said Mayor Jon Mitchell. However, New Bedford has other pressing needs as well, he said, pointing to infrastructure, protection for the fishing industry, and building up off-shore wind facilities.

"We must continue the fight for South Coast Rail but the candidates must know New Bedford has many other priorities," he said.

Reporter Simon Rios contributed and material from the State House News Service was used in this article.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.